Airline News Page 142
myPlane accelerates shift to digital charter bookings with new AI features
myPlane, the world’s first online booking engine for commercial charter flights, has taken a major step forward in modernising the €100 billion industry with the launch of its new AI-powered features. The new enhancements are designed to lower the barriers to digital adoption, making it easier than ever for airlines and B2B travel buyers to transition from outdated, manual processes to a seamless, fully digital booking experience
Qatar Airways Launches Off-Airport Check-in Service in Makkah for Hajj and Umrah Passengers
Qatar Airways, the World’s Best Airline as voted by Skytrax 2024, has introduced off-airport check-in service in Makkah, providing Hajj and Umrah passengers with a seamless and hassle-free travel experience. Launched in partnership with Saudi Ground Services (SGS), this service enables passengers to complete check-in formalities, receive their boarding passes, and the baggage to be collected from the city, ensuring a smooth journey to the airport.
Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways Partnership Takes Off
Australian travellers are set to benefit after a deeper strategic partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways Group was given the green light by the Australian Government. Qatar Airways Group’s minority 25 per cent investment in Virgin Australia has now received Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval following the Federal Treasurer’s announcement today. This follows the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Draft Determination on 18 February indicating its intention to authorise the airlines’ integrated alliance, with final approval expected in March/April 2025. Together, they help open the door to the airline’s return to long-haul international flying.
Four Seasons Launches Private Jet Itinerary Inspired by HBO Original Series The White Lotus
Get ready to board the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience for an exclusive opportunity to explore some of the iconic settings of the HBO® Original Series The White Lotus with a new World of Wellness journey. Building on the recently announced global partnership between Four Seasons and HBO, the unforgettable 20-day itinerary will be offered for one exclusive journey, touching down in Maui, Taormina and Koh Samui— filming locations of the first three seasons of acclaimed series—along with five additional intriguing destinations that will allow guests to create their very own memorable storylines.
Riyadh Air and IBM to build AI-driven enterprise, to elevate guest and employee experiences
IBM have announced a new agreement with Riyadh Air, which will integrate watsonx, IBM's portfolio of AI products, and IBM Consulting AI solutions to establish an enterprise-wide AI capability to elevate Riyadh Air guest and employee experiences. As Riyadh Air prepares for its inaugural flights in late 2025, the new Saudi Arabian airline sets another key building block of its journey in redefining air travel as the world's first digital native carrier
Qatar Airways Equips 30th Boeing 777 with Starlink
Qatar Airways, the largest global airline to offer Starlink’s high-speed internet on board, has achieved a new milestone with the installation of Starlink on its 30th aircraft, equipping over 50 per cent of its Boeing 777 fleet. This achievement comes four months after the airline launched the world’s first Boeing 777 Starlink-enabled flight and two months after surpassing its initial 2024 target of 12 installations by upgrading 15 aircraft with Starlink connectivity.
British Airways’ new-look Seattle lounge becomes the latest to open its doors
British Airways’ Seattle lounge has opened its doors following an extensive refurbishment, becoming the latest to offer an improved pre-flight customer experience. It joins Singapore, Washington, Lagos and London Gatwick, which have all been given a new look and feel over the last nine months, following lounge refreshes in Edinburgh, London Heathrow Terminal 5B and Heathrow Terminal 3 in 2023.
Emirates and Garuda Indonesia expand partnership
Emirates and Garuda Indonesia today have unlocked a world of new opportunities for frequent flyer members with the launch of a joint loyalty programme offering. Emirates Skywards and GarudaMiles members can now earn and redeem Miles while travelling across a combined network of more than 200 destinations. The two carriers launched a codeshare agreement in 2022 and have since expanded their partnership to offer loyalty programme members more destinations, more Miles, and more rewards.
Virgin Atlantic to expand codeshare with WestJet providing greater connectivity
Virgin Atlantic and WestJet are delighted to announce an expanded codeshare agreement, strengthening vital business, leisure, and visiting friends-and-family connections between Canada and the UK and key connecting regions including India. The partnership will provide seamless connectivity for customers travelling between the UK and Canada with enhanced customer benefits for connecting passengers.
British Airways Holidays launches 2025 Travel Trends Report
British Airways Holidays unveils its 2025 Travel Trends Report, identifying the most searched for holiday destinations, as well as how travellers are choosing to curate their holidays in new and exciting ways, with social media driving booking patterns and customers now forming “Trip Collectives”. The report’s 2025 ‘Hotlist’, showcasing the January Sale’s most searched for destinations, confirms a key prediction from last year’s Travel Trends Report, with Malta moving from the ‘Rising Stars’ category to now being one of the most searched for holiday destinations. Meanwhile, Koh Samui has seen a 38% rise in interest compared to last year, a trend that will undoubtably grow, with the return of a popular TV show launching this week.
Discover the Perfect Winter Escape in Dubai with Emirates
Emirates has unveiled an exciting new offer for travellers planning a trip to Dubai this winter. Travellers flying from select regions who book a return ticket in First Class or Business Class to Dubai, or with a stopover in the city, will receive a complimentary stay at the luxurious JW Marriott Marquis. Travellers flying in Premium Economy or Economy Class can enjoy a complimentary one-night stay at either Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira or Holiday Inn Festival City. Furthermore, those flying to Dubai from select regions with Emirates can also get complimentary access to Sky Views Observatory with access to the Sky Glass Slide and Fountain boardwalk. *
Emirates and UAE Team Emirates XRG partner up to deliver inspiring coaching clinic for cyclists
World-class riders at UAE Team Emirates XRG, the world’s number one ranked team on the UCI World Tour and Emirates partnered up to offer Al Nasr Sports Club’s youth cyclists a unique coaching session, helping breed interest, support young talent and encourage commitment to the growing sport of cycling.